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Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers to the questions Brisbane homeowners ask us most — about licensing, quotes, service areas and every service we offer.
General Questions
What suburbs does Jabiru Plumbing Services cover?
We are based in Ashgrove and service Brisbane's inner north-west. We regularly work in Alderley, Ashgrove, Auchenflower, Bardon, Enoggera, Milton, Mitchelton, Newmarket, Paddington, Red Hill, The Gap, Toowong and Wilston, and the greater Brisbane area around them. Because we are local, we are often working in your suburb already and can be with you quickly. If you are nearby but not on the list, call us and we will let you know if we can help.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Jabiru Plumbing Services holds QBCC Licence 15053166 and is fully licensed and insured. We are a member of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland, and we hold a restricted electrical licence which allows us to service and install electric hot water systems. Our team are qualified plumbers, gasfitters and drainers, and every job is completed to Australian standards.
Is Jabiru Plumbing a family business?
Yes. Jabiru Plumbing Services is a family owned and operated business based in Ashgrove. Our philosophy is simple — honest advice, quality workmanship and old fashioned service. We take the time to listen to our customers, provide the most appropriate plumbing solution, and complete every job with efficiency and courtesy. It is plumbing done properly.
What plumbing services do you offer?
We provide a full range of plumbing services to homes and businesses across Brisbane: general plumbing maintenance, blocked drains, gas fitting, hot water system service and installation, and renovation and extension plumbing. We are qualified plumbers, gasfitters and drainers, so whether it is a leaking tap, a blocked drain, a gas appliance or a full bathroom renovation, we can help.
How do I get a quote?
The easiest way is to call us on 07 3311 2432 or send an enquiry through our contact form. Tell us about the job and we will talk through what is involved. For larger or non-urgent work we are happy to arrange a quote so you can make a decision in your own time. We pride ourselves on honest advice, competitive prices and no hidden costs.
What payment methods do you accept?
We keep payment simple and will explain the options when we confirm your job. Our focus is on quality work at a fair price, with the cost agreed before we start so there are no surprises on the bill. If you have a question about payment for a particular job, just ask when you call and we will let you know how it works.
Do you offer same-day service?
We do our best to respond quickly, and because we are based locally in Ashgrove and work across the inner north-west every day, we can often attend the same day for urgent problems like leaks, blocked drains and hot water failures. Call us and describe what is happening — we will give you advice for the meantime and book you in as soon as possible.
Are you a member of the Master Plumbers' Association?
Yes. Jabiru Plumbing Services is a member of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland. Along with our QBCC licence, our membership reflects our commitment to quality workmanship and professional, accountable service. You can expect work that is completed to Australian standards by qualified, licensed tradespeople.
Plumbing Maintenance
How do you charge for a plumbing maintenance call-out?
We work on a straightforward call-out and labour basis rather than a flat one-size-fits-all fee. When you call, we talk through the problem so you have a clear idea of what is involved before we arrive, and we confirm the cost with you on site before any work starts. There are no hidden costs and no nasty surprises on the bill. For larger or non-urgent jobs we are happy to arrange a quote first so you can make a decision in your own time.
Do you cover Ashgrove and Brisbane's inner north-west?
Yes. Jabiru Plumbing Services is based in Ashgrove and we work across Brisbane's inner north-west most days, including Alderley, Auchenflower, Bardon, Enoggera, Milton, Mitchelton, Newmarket, Paddington, Red Hill, The Gap, Toowong and Wilston. Because we are local, we can usually be with you quickly. If you are just outside these suburbs, give us a call anyway and we will let you know if we can help.
Can you fix a leaking tap or running toilet on the same visit?
In most cases, yes. Common maintenance jobs like leaking taps, running or leaking toilets, slow drains and broken pipes are bread-and-butter work for us, and our vans carry the tools and common parts needed to fix them on the spot. If a job needs a specific part we do not have with us, we will let you know straight away and arrange to complete the work as quickly as possible.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Jabiru Plumbing Services holds QBCC Licence 15053166 and is fully licensed and insured. We are also a member of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland, and we hold a restricted electrical licence which lets us service and install electric hot water systems. Every job is completed to Australian standards by qualified plumbers, gasfitters and drainers.
How quickly can you come out for a leak?
We understand a leak can not always wait. Because we are based locally in Ashgrove and work across the inner north-west every day, we can often respond quickly. The best thing to do is call us and describe what is happening, including whether water is still flowing. We will give you advice on what to do in the meantime, such as turning off the water at the meter, and book you in as soon as we can.
What everyday plumbing problems do you fix?
Our maintenance work covers leaking toilets and taps, broken and burst pipes, smelly or slow drains, blocked and clogged drains, stormwater run-off issues and drain clearing. We also handle the installation and maintenance of taps, toilets, showers, and sanitary and stormwater drainage. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the laundry, if it is a plumbing job around your home or business, we can help.
What payment methods do you accept?
We keep payment simple and will let you know the options when we confirm your job. Our focus is on quality work at a fair price, with the cost agreed before we start so you always know where you stand. If you have a question about payment for a particular job, just ask when you call and we will explain how it works.
Blocked Drains
How do you find what is causing a blocked drain?
We diagnose blocked drains properly rather than guessing. We can complete a CCTV drain camera inspection to see inside the pipe and find exactly what caused the blockage. We then pinpoint the location using a pipe locator, which receives a signal from the camera and lets us mark out the problem above ground. That means we can access and repair the drain with minimal disturbance to your house and garden, and quote the work with no guesswork.
Do you use a drain camera?
Yes. A CCTV drain camera is one of the most useful tools we carry. It lets us see the inside of your drainage system, identify whether the blockage is caused by a broken pipe, tree roots, a foreign object or a build-up of grease and waste, and confirm the pipe is clear once the work is done. Inspecting the drain this way means you get an accurate diagnosis and an honest quote rather than unnecessary digging.
Can you clear a blocked drain without digging up my yard?
In most cases, yes. Digging up large sections of a property to find a blockage is a thing of the past. By combining a CCTV drain camera with a pipe locator, we can find the exact spot and depth of the problem before we touch the ground. This keeps disruption to your house and garden to a minimum and means any excavation, if it is needed at all, is targeted and tidy.
What causes drains to block?
There are many causes. Common ones include a broken or sunken pipe, a foreign object stuck in the line, tree root ingress, and a build-up of grease or kitchen waste. In many older Brisbane homes, earthenware pipes crack at the joints over time as the ground moves, which lets tree roots find their way in. A camera inspection tells us which of these is behind your blockage so we can fix the real cause.
Do you offer high pressure water jetting?
Yes. High pressure water jetting is an effective way to clear stubborn blockages, cut through tree roots and flush out built-up grease and debris so your drains flow freely again. We use a range of equipment depending on what the camera inspection shows, and our goal is always the same: to get your drains flowing again, fast, and to leave the site clean and tidy afterwards.
Can you fix a backyard that floods when it rains?
Yes. A backyard that floods in heavy rain is often a sign of a blocked, broken or poorly constructed stormwater drain. We can inspect your stormwater drainage with a camera, locate the issue and clear or repair it so water moves away from your home as it should. If the existing drainage is not coping, we can talk you through options to improve it.
How do you charge for blocked drain work?
We assess the blockage first, usually with a camera inspection, and then confirm the cost of clearing and any repair with you before the work goes ahead. Because we can see and locate the problem accurately, the quote reflects the actual job rather than a worst-case guess. There are no hidden costs, and we will always talk through your options if a repair is needed.
Gas Fitting
Are your gas fitters licensed?
Yes. Gas fitting can only legally be carried out by a licensed and accredited gas fitter, and Jabiru Plumbing Services employs fully licensed gas fitters. We hold QBCC Licence 15053166 and always make sure our work meets Australian safety regulations and requirements when working with natural gas and LPG systems. Gas is not something to take chances with, so it is important your first call is to a properly licensed gas fitter.
I can smell gas — what should I do?
Treat a gas smell as urgent. The first thing to do is turn off the gas: at the meter for natural gas, or at the bottles for LPG. Avoid using anything that could create a spark. Other warning signs of a leak include an unusually high gas bill or LPG cylinders running out faster than normal. Then call us. We can locate leaks quickly and safely and carry out any repairs needed to make your home safe again.
Can you install a gas cooktop or oven?
Yes. We install, service and repair gas cooktops and ovens as part of our gas fitting service. We can also handle consumer gas pipework installation and repair, gas appliance conversions, and outdoor work such as gas barbeques and outdoor kitchen installations. Whatever the appliance, our licensed gas fitters will make sure it is connected safely and correctly.
Do you provide gas compliance certificates?
Yes. Compliance assessment and certification is part of our gas fitting service. When we carry out gas work, we ensure it meets Australian safety regulations and provide the appropriate certification for the job. If you need an existing installation assessed for compliance, give us a call and we will let you know how we can help.
Can you convert appliances between natural gas and LPG?
Yes. Gas appliance conversions are part of our gas fitting work. Whether you are moving from LPG to natural gas or the other way around, our licensed gas fitters can assess your appliances and pipework and carry out the conversion safely and to standard. Get in touch and we can talk through what is involved for your particular appliances.
Do you install outdoor gas barbeques and kitchens?
Yes. Outdoor entertaining is popular in Brisbane, and we install gas barbeques and outdoor kitchen connections as part of our gas fitting service. We will make sure the gas supply is run safely and correctly so you can enjoy your outdoor area with confidence. Talk to us early in your project so the gas work can be planned in properly.
How is gas fitting work priced?
Gas fitting jobs vary, so we talk through the work with you and confirm the cost before we begin. For installations and larger jobs we are happy to arrange a quote first. Our focus is on outstanding workmanship and safe, compliant gas work at a fair price, with no hidden costs. If you have a question about a specific gas job, just ask when you call.
Hot Water Systems
What types of hot water systems do you install?
We service, repair and install all types of hot water systems, including gas, electric, solar and heat pump units. Each type has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your household. We can talk you through the options and help you decide based on things like how many people live in the home, how many bathrooms you have, whether reticulated gas is available, and whether your roof suits a solar collector.
Which hot water brands do you work with?
We supply, install and repair all the major brands of water heaters. We regularly work with leading brands including Rheem, Dux, Thermann, Aquamax and Rinnai. Whether you are replacing an older unit or installing a system in a new build or renovation, we can recommend a reliable unit to suit your home and budget.
My hot water has stopped — can you help quickly?
Yes. There is nothing worse than having no hot water when you need it, so hot water repairs are a priority for us. Call us and describe what is happening — no hot water, not enough, leaking or overflowing — and we will get to you as soon as we can. If your system can not be repaired straight away, we have portable temporary systems available so your home or business is never left without hot water.
How do I choose the right hot water system?
Choosing a hot water system is an important decision that has to stand the test of time. We help you weigh up the options by looking at how many people live in the house, the number of bathrooms, the type of system you are replacing, whether reticulated gas is available, whether your roof suits a solar collector, and whether the unit will sit inside or outside. We then recommend the system that best fits your home.
Do you repair hot water systems or only replace them?
We do both. Many hot water problems can be repaired — for example replacing a pressure temperature relief valve or fixing a gas fault — and a repair is often the most cost-effective option. We will assess your system honestly and let you know whether a repair or a full replacement makes more sense. Regular maintenance also helps avoid costly repairs and extends the life of the system.
What happens if I am left without hot water?
We carry portable temporary hot water systems so that, if your unit can not be repaired or replaced on the spot, your home or business does not have to go without. We will get your hot water back up and running as quickly as possible, and keep you informed along the way so you always know what is happening.
How is hot water work quoted?
For repairs, we assess the fault and confirm the cost with you before carrying out the work. For a new or replacement system, we will recommend a suitable unit and provide a quote so you can make an informed decision. There are no hidden costs, and we are happy to talk through the running costs and benefits of the different options.
Renovations & Extensions
Do you do bathroom and kitchen renovation plumbing?
Yes. Whether it is a new kitchen, bathroom or laundry, an extension or a full renovation, our renovation plumbers have the expertise to make sure the plumbing in your project is functional, well presented and completed with care. We take the time to discuss your requirements and design a plumbing layout that works effectively within the architecture of your newly renovated home.
Can you work alongside my builder and other trades?
Yes. Renovations involve a procession of trades through your home, and we are used to coordinating our work with builders and other tradespeople so the plumbing is done at the right stage. We keep the impact on your household to a minimum and turn up when we say we will, well presented and ready to work. Good communication keeps the whole project running smoothly.
How do you keep renovation disruption to a minimum?
Renovating is exciting but it can also be stressful, with noise, mess and disruption. Our renovation plumbers understand these challenges and plan the plumbing work to reduce the impact on your home. If anything unexpected comes up, we always consult with you first so there are no nasty surprises, and we complete the work with efficiency and courtesy.
Do you guarantee your renovation work?
Yes. We guarantee our work and we give honest advice with no hidden costs. You can trust that the plumbing in your renovation will be done right the first time. If anything unexpected comes up during the job, we will always talk it through with you before going ahead so you stay in control of the project and the budget.
How do you quote renovation plumbing?
Renovation plumbing varies a lot from project to project, so we take the time to understand your plans and provide a quote based on the actual scope of work. Call us to arrange a quote and we will discuss your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or extension in detail. We pride ourselves on honest advice and no hidden costs, so the quote reflects the real job.
Can you advise on energy-efficient and cost-efficient products?
Yes. Part of our renovation service is recommending up to date and innovative products that are both energy efficient and cost efficient. We can talk you through the options for taps, fixtures, hot water and more so your renovated home runs effectively and economically for years to come. Honest advice is something we pride ourselves on.
Do you handle extensions as well as renovations?
Yes. As well as kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations, we provide complete plumbing services for home extensions. Whatever your plans, our professional plumbers, gas fitters and drainers can assist with the plumbing for your renovation or extension, designed to run effectively and within the architectural parameters of your home.
Plumbing Done Properly?
Call Brisbane's local family plumbers for honest advice, quality workmanship and old fashioned service.